A POWYS man has denied trying to evade police after he spotted a police car having smoked cannabis.

Harry Andrew Sanguinetti, 29, entered a guilty plea to one charge of drug driving when he appeared at Welshpool Magistrates’ Court this week.

Sanguinetti was driving a Toyota Hylux on the A483 Welshpool bypass on January 20, 2023. Court heard on Tuesday, January 9, that Sanguinetti appeared to stop his car and drive in the opposite direction after he saw a police car behind him – although he denied this.

Prosecutor Suzanne Cartwright said the defendant produced a cannabis reading of 3.7 micrograms after he was stopped – the legal limit is 2 micrograms.

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“PC Willis was on mobile patrol and saw a Toyota Hylux on the Welshpool bypass,” said Ms Cartwright.

“It abruptly pulled into a layby, allowing the police vehicle to pass, then turned around and drove in the opposite direction back towards Welshpool.

“The vehicle was stopped in Tesco and PC Willis instantly smelt cannabis. There were three occupants inside the vehicle, with the defendant driving.

“He said he had cannabis in the glove box and said he had last smoked the night before. A roadside test was positive and he was arrested.”

She said Sanguinetti had no previous convictions.

Acting for Sanguinetti, of Tanyvoel, Llanymynech, Owain Jones said: “He took a wrong turn, there was no attempt to evade the police.

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“He has not driven since this incident, the car has been off the road. He has been in and out of hospital. It has been a difficult period.

“He has not consumed cannabis for a great number of months, as he realised it had become an issue. He is apologetic, he is a man of good character.”

Magistrates banned Sanguinetti from driving for 12 months. They also fined him £350 and told him to pay a £140 surcharge and £85 costs.